JAMES Percy (left) and Ben Stratton in “Potted Potter”. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—As “Potted Potter” returns to RCBC’s Carlos P. Romulo Theater from September 30 to October 5, it stirs up a cauldron-full of excitement within its huge Philippine fan base—the country officially becomes the first and only Asian destination to ever stage “Potted Potter—The Unauthorized Harry Experience,” a parody by Dan and Jeff for a record-setting third time within three consecutive years.

The new duo of Benjamin Stratton and James Percy headline the show’s limited run, taking on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real-life game of Quidditch) into seventy hilarious minutes.

Ben and James, performing in their very first Manila season fresh from their September stints in Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong as the new “rockstar” leads of the “Potted Potter” 2014 international tour, will ensure once more that “Potted Potter”’s evolving charm and massive appeal is kept fresh through spontaneity and humor.

Each new “Potted Potter” season guarantees endless reasons to keep coming back for more doses of its unique Hogwarts humor – even if you’ve already been part of all the fun and spectacle of the last two seasons.

JAMES Percy (left) and Ben Stratton in “Potted Potter”. INQUIRER file photo — JAMES Percy (left) and Ben Stratton in “Potted Potter”. FILE PHOTO

Always something excitingly fresh

With a script constantly adapting to brilliantly match the unique wit and quirk of each new “Potted Potter” actor, audiences can expect fresher takes on characters from the magical adventures found within the more than 4,000 pages of the Harry Potter 7-book series. It will definitely be an experience to see which trending Manila social hoopla or media celebrity slip-up will eventually worm its way into “Potted Potter”’s repertoire in their third Manila season.

“Potted Potter” more than delights audiences as it casts a spell through its hurricanes of costume changes, flurries of wig and headdress transformations, and outbursts of animated accent transitions—all done as the two-man cast shift from major to minor magical characters ranging from Albus to Wormtail.

Created by double Olivier Award Best Entertainment nominees Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, the show is a must-see for Potter addicts and a great introduction to the series for anyone who’s ever wondered what all the fuss is about. Clarkson and Turner first created “Potted Potter” in 2005 for an appearance at a London bookshop, as a five-minute entertainment for fans awaiting the release of the sixth book in the series. The show grew from there into a full-length stage production, which has since played 30 weeks off-Broadway across two sold-out seasons, has had five West End runs, has enjoyed extensive UK and international tours, and is currently on a 2014 world tour to Mexico City, Ireland, Canada, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Manila and Australia.

Gridlock your girdles, fasten your feathers

Co-Creator Jeff Turner will be attending—in full-muggle glory—the Potter-themed opening night costume party on Tuesday September 30 to celebrate “Potted Potter—The Unauthorized Harry Experience”’s third season in Manila. With “Potted Potter”’s official Philippine Facebook fan page raking in over 30,000 likes, the show has become a veritable phenomenon in Manila.

Special prizes await hardcore fans whose Wizarding World costumes are deemed “worthy” of the judges’ seal of approval. Come out on opening night garbed in all your magical wardrobe glamour.

Magical owls need to be secured in their own cages and checked in at the door however, so be warned.

Treats and surprises are definitely in store for Manila’s “Potted Potter” audiences—and who knows, there might just be a leaping chocolate frog or two for lucky fans by the end of the show.

“’Potted Potter’ will bring to life your most beloved characters, and the two British actors performing all the roles will bring to Manila the humor, which is such a powerful part of British culture and creativity. I’m sure that ‘Potted Potter’ will be enjoyed by fans of one of the greatest modern-day children’s classics that played a huge part in reigniting a genuine passion for reading in children all over the world, and those who aren’t familiar with the source material but just want to have a good laugh.

“This is just a glimpse of the great creativity that the UK is famous for and popular all around the world. I’m delighted that Filipinos are able to see world-class acts brought by Concertus Manila and Lunchbox Theatrical Productions. I’m inviting everyone to come and see Potted Productions’ “Potted Potter” and experience our trademark British humour,” says British Ambassador Asif Ahmad.

Performing to sold-out houses around the world, “Potted Potter” has accumulated an impressive roster of high A-Mark reviews from leading international newspapers, including the UK’s Daily Telegraph, The Times, Sunday Express, Daily Mail, The Guardian, The Financial Times, and was even awarded Time Out’s Critic’s Choice.

Here’s what the rest of the critics have to say about the feisty, Unauthorized Harry Experience:

“Cleverly appeals to both ardent fans and parents.”

The Times, UK

“Gloriously irreverent. A very lovable romp through Rowling’s back catalogue.”

Time Out, London – Critic’s Choice, UK

“A hilarious romp through the seven books”

The West Australian

“I laughed until my jaw ached.”

Herald Sun, Australia – 4 stars

“Fabulously Funny! Will tickle the funny bone of every age group.”

The London Daily Telegraph

“The single funniest thing I’ve seen in ages. You’re gonna love this show.”

Toronto Star

“Potted Potter 2014 “is presented by Potted Productions, Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and Concertus Manila together with co-presenting partner VISA. Special thanks to Krispy Kreme, The Philippine Star, BusinessWorld, Philippine Daily Inquirer, ETC, Jack TV, Monster Radio RX 93.1, Mellow 94.7 and ClickTheCity.

For more information on this year’s official Potted Potter Manila venue and for tickets and performance schedules, watch out for more details on Potted Potter Manila’s official Facebook page. Call TicketWorld at 891-9999 or visit www.TicketWorld.com.ph